These leaked and spied shots are of the yet to be launched Chinese market Kia K2, tipped to make its debut at the Shanghai show. Its name and styling are exactly what one would expect of a smaller sibling to the Kia K5.
The K5, or Optima to the rest of us, is a sharply styled D-segment saloon that was introduced to the Chinese market last month. Made by the Dongfeng-Yueda-Kia joint venture, the K5 was launched with two engine options – a 2.0 with 165 hp/198 Nm and a 2.4 with 179 hp/231 Nm. A six-speed manual is also available in China. We’ve driven this car in Aussie spec already – click here to read the report.
This K2 will complete Kia’s saloon range in China, which currently has the K5 and the larger Cadenza (K7). It will most probably come with 1.4L and 1.6L engines from the Hyundai-Kia pool, paired to a five-speed manual in the base spec. A check on Kia’s Chinese site reveals that the Forte isn’t sold there (although the Forte Koup is, badged as Shuma), so the K2’s role would be the “small saloon” of the family, replacing the Kia Rio.
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Forte younger brother for segment B?
why la chinese can get the 6sp manual. fun cars they dapat, while we look jealously at them..lol
it is not that they get the fun cars. it is because the chinese market is not sophisticated enough yet to afford or accept automatics. this is why most of their domestic models are still using manual and rarely have auto in their line-up. they are where malaysia was in the late 70’s and early 80’s in terms of buyer sophistication.
The majority of small and medium sized cars sold in Europe are equipped with a manual gearbox.
Following your theory, Malaysia is way ahead of Europe in buyer sophistication! :)
europe is due to a few factors. one is the high cost of petrol and choice. i deduce that it is more of a matter of choice because europe has been in the car making business for a lot longer than asia and they have both brilliant autos and manuals but they prefer to have manuals whereas in china, the predominant transmission is manual in most of their price lists and auto is not really available. just my pov. but in malaysia, the trend is moving towards more autos as seen from low manual transmission sales. again, just my pov.
malaysian ego can’t save you, my buddy :P
I think wat mr/mrs./ms. pointed out is full of shit. again, just my pov.
What crap are you talking about dude, the reason is so obvious and simple.. malaysian drivers are lazy.. period!
what crap are u and fortelover talking about….malaysian luv auto car bcos we are highly evolved multi tasking genius…..one hand on the steering…….other hand are free for 1. handphone 2. show foul finger language 3. eat stuff plus dipping souce as well 3. hold pat baby 4. busy with girlfriend ;-) 5. lipstick …..etc etc …..a lot more example………cant type more cos my car entering highway toll……need to search my ticket ….gtg
What an ugly car
Forte was sold in China as Furuidi. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kia_Forte
i dont know why it just didnt felt as elegant and sporty as the K5… instead, this gave me the impression of china made cars…. looked out of proportion too…
It’s a korean made cars, unlike K5 designed by German, it’s designed by koreans themselves.
the look doesn’t match its size
Why it has to be “Honey I Shrunk K5” ??
Some design look ugly when been “Shrunk”
“Forte Furuidi” sound like “Richman Pants Drop On Floor”
OMG….The exterior looked freak….the interior also looked outdated and freak…
The ‘BIG’ car front doesn’t suit it’s small size…, from the side it looks like the Elantra , its the sister car right shubbe…
I think they tone down the designs so they can cut the cost and sell it to a more affordable market in China? They already have the higer ends product there (K5 and K7), they probably wanna tap into lower ends too (K2). Any idea what is K3?